How Family Volunteering After a Storm Helped Us Grow Closer

A few years ago, a devastating windstorm blew through our community. Packing near tornado-force winds, the storm knocked down power lines, destroyed homes and businesses, and uprooted trees.

The storm damage stretched across several hundred miles and, for many of us, introduced an unfamiliar word into our vocabulary: derecho*.

New job and an enormous challenge

That summer of 2022 was also the first year my youngest daughter was the director of a children’s summer camp. Each year, over 1,000 kids and teenagers from all economic backgrounds arrive for the camp’s daily activities and team building events.

For my daughter, the position was more than a new job. She had been a camper there since the age of seven, and the people were almost like a second family to her. Camp was the highlight of her summers. 

The year was also significant historically because everyone was recovering from two years of COVID. We were anxious to get back to a sense of normality, and to free ourselves from the isolation that came with the lockdown. Summer camp was necessary, now more than ever.

Hundreds of downed trees after the derecho

The storm hit about three weeks before camp opening day and the damage was extensive. Hundreds of trees knocked over; some cabins damaged; and debris scattered everywhere. Many large downed trees had to be airlifted out by helicopter. With so little time left, it was difficult to see how the camp could open at all.

In her new role as director, my daughter reached out to the camp community for volunteers. The response said a lot about the type of people the camp attracts. Dozens of families, of all ages and backgrounds, volunteered after the natural disaster. They gave up a day to help get the site ready — and for us, it became a real family bonding event.

Family volunteering helps with cleanup

Our older daughter joined us, as did my brother- and sister-in-law and their adult kids. We spent the day gathering broken branches, raking, sweeping, and clearing off as much debris as possible. It was hard work, but that day of volunteering as a family was one of the most rewarding things we’ve ever done together.

By the end of the day, there was a real sense of accomplishment. We could view the results of our work, and it was good to see areas cleaned up again, particularly the memorial garden for a young counsellor who died years before. And our involvement meant a lot to our daughter as she navigated a tough situation in her new job.

Of course, several more weeks of cleanup were required. But by pulling together, that day of community involvement got things off to a good start. The camp opened on time in the first week of July — and our day of working together is one our family will always remember. 

The day was also special for yet another reason. As our kids have matured, we have fewer chances to work together as a family. And so the cleanup was a valuable bonding experience for us, plus a way to help the camp where our kids have so many happy memories. 

FOOTNOTE:

*Derechos, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, are “widespread, long-lived wind storms” … whose damage is typically directed in one direction, along a relatively straight line. (The Spanish word “derecho” means “straight ahead” or “direct.”)